HC Deb 13 March 1912 vol 35 cc1087-8
Mr. CHIOZZA MONEY

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take any steps, in the interests of persons eligible to become insured persons under the National Insurance Act, to stop misrepresentation of a measure passed into law by the unanimous vote of both Houses of Parliament?

Mr. MASTERMAN

Lectures have already been arranged throughout the United Kingdom in order to give information about the actual provisions of the Act, and pamphlets and leaflets will be almost immediately issued by the Insurance Commissioners with the same object. It would be sanguine to hope that the Commissioners will be able, with all their efforts, to stop "misrepresentation of the Act"; but certainly misrepresentation will prove less mischievous as their work of disseminating accurate information progresses.

Mr. CHIOZZA MONEY

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the statement that the Act gives to insured persons only half the benefits which would be given for the same money by a well-managed friendly society had a great deal to do with winning the South Manchester election?

Mr. RONALD M'NEILL

Will the hon. Gentleman take steps to withdraw from circulation a pamphlet with a preface by the Chancellor of the Exchequer containing misrepresentations which were exposed in this House?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I have not seen any pamphlet issued by the Chancellor of the Exchequer which contains misrepresentations that were exposed in this House.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

To whom does the hon. Member attribute these misrepresentations to which he refers? Am I not entitled to an answer?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member should hand that question in at the table.